Cartridge

(1) Receptacle, usually cylindrical and water tight, to hold the explosive material in blasting. (2) Hydraulic cartridges and lime cartridges, used in fiery coal-mines; are similar in shape, but the rending of the coal is effected by water-pre ure, or by the expansion of quick-lime when wet. (3) Formerly the charge for firing a gun was poured in as loose powder and pre ed down by a rammer; afterward it was confined in a paper case for small arms; for cannon a flannel or merino bag held the powder charge. Recently metallic cartridges have almost entirely replaced the older forms.